The Latest Method for Growing Alocasia (Dripping Guanyin) in Water
Nowadays, many people like to choose plants when decorating their homes, and more and more people are choosing hydroponic plants. Hydroponic plants are not only relatively simple to grow, but also more distinctive. Do you understand hydroponic plants, and do you know the method for growing Alocasia (Dripping Guanyin) in water? Let us take a look together below at the method for growing Alocasia (Dripping Guanyin) in water!
The Growing Environment of Hydroponic Alocasia (Dripping Guanyin)
1. Temperature: Alocasia (Dripping Guanyin) is an understory plant of tropical rainforests, so its growth requires high humidity, and scattered light is best. As a shade-tolerant plant, it likes a semi-shaded environment, and should be placed in an environment that is both shaded and ventilated. In summer, as long as the soil is kept moist, water is sprayed frequently, and shade is provided, it can still grow normally during high temperatures; the winter room temperature must not be too low.
2. Humidity: Hydroponic Alocasia (Dripping Guanyin) especially likes moisture. During the growing season, it not only requires the potting soil to be moist, but also requires the air humidity to be no less than 60%. During summer high temperatures, spraying water should be intensified to create a relatively cool and moist environment for it. If placed in an indoor air-conditioned hall, it is necessary both to keep the potting soil moist and to spray water on the leaf surfaces from time to time.
3. Fertilizer: It relatively likes fertilizer. From March to October, a liquid fertilizer should be applied as a top dressing once every half month, and the proportion of nitrogen can be appropriately increased. If a little ferrous sulfate can be added, so much the better; in this way the leaves will grow as large as lotus leaves, glossy and delightful. Fertilization should be stopped when the temperature is below 15°C.
The Method for Growing Hydroponic Alocasia (Dripping Guanyin)
1. When changing a soil-grown plant into a hydroponic plant, the roots should be washed carefully, and please try not to damage the tubers and root system. At the same time, rotten roots and already aged roots should be cut off. If the tuber has no roots, it should first be placed in a shaded place to dry for 2~3 days, and after the wound has dried, it can be immersed in water; after 2~3 days, new roots can be seen emerging.
2. Note that in the early stage of hydroponics, the water should be changed once every 2~3 days, and the water depth should preferably submerge 2/3 of the root system. After a week, new roots can grow. After 3 weeks, once the hydroponic plant has adapted to the hydroponic environment, change to nutrient solution culture. After that, change the nutrient solution about once a month.
3. Because the stem tissue of Alocasia (Dripping Guanyin) is relatively loose, if the water quality is poor, it is easily polluted and causes root rot and stem rot. Therefore, the water in the bottle should be kept clean. At the same time, when changing the water or nutrient solution, the mucus on the tubers and roots should be cleaned off, and rotten roots should be cut away.
4. In hot summer, the frequency of changing the water should be increased, and the air humidity should be no less than 60%. Spray water frequently to create a relatively cool and moist environment for it. In winter, to keep its leaves a deep green, generally spray warm water once a week.
5. It is enough for the water level to cover 2/3 of the root system. Frequently clean the inner wall of the container to prevent the growth of moss.
6. The sap in the stems and leaves of Alocasia (Dripping Guanyin) is toxic. During care and management, attention should be paid: it must not be put into the mouth, and contact with the skin will cause itching and redness and swelling. It should be rinsed promptly with water, or wearing plastic gloves while handling it makes it relatively safe.
How Does Hydroponic Alocasia (Dripping Guanyin) Get Through Winter?
Alocasia (Dripping Guanyin) is originally a southern plant. Generally, as long as the winter temperature in the south is not lower than 5°C, Alocasia (Dripping Guanyin) will be fine. If the weather is too cold, it can be placed in a warm place indoors. However, hydroponic flowers generally do not have very good resistance. If you want Alocasia (Dripping Guanyin) to get through winter without worry, it is best to plant it in soil.
What Should Be Done If Hydroponic Alocasia (Dripping Guanyin) Has Rotten Roots?
For hydroponic Alocasia (Dripping Guanyin), do not put the rhizome in the water; instead, put the roots in the water. In addition, some roots should be left so they can come into contact with the air, which helps the roots breathe. The rhizome of Alocasia (Dripping Guanyin) is outside, and half of the grown roots are in the water while half are in the air, which is beneficial for root respiration.
For water-grown Alocasia (Dripping Guanyin) that already has rotten roots, the flower lover should cut off the rotten part, then, if conditions permit, carry out disinfection treatment, such as with potassium permanganate or the like; plant ash can also be used. After disinfection, let the wound dry in a shady place, then plant it in soil. After the plant returns to normal (has rooted), grow it in water again. If it is directly grown in water after cutting the roots, it is still prone to root rot. Flower lovers can weigh it up: whether to plant in soil first and then grow in water, or to continue growing in water.